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Ariane 64 Rocket Launches 32 Amazon Satellites into Orbit
First flight of heavier Ariane 64 version, with 20-meter fairing, kicks off busy 2026 launch schedule for Arianespace.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Europe's Ariane 6 rocket, in its heavier Ariane 64 configuration with four boosters, successfully launched 32 Amazon broadband satellites into low Earth orbit on February 12th from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana. This was the first flight of the Ariane 64 variant, which features a 20-meter-long payload fairing, and the first Ariane 6 mission dedicated to launching satellites for Amazon's growing broadband internet constellation.
Why it matters
The Ariane 64 launch marks a crucial ramp-up year for Arianespace, which plans 7-8 launches in 2026 compared to just 4 in 2025. The successful debut of the heavier Ariane 64 configuration, capable of lifting larger payloads, is an important milestone as Arianespace competes for commercial launch contracts against SpaceX and other providers.
The details
The Ariane 64 rocket lifted off from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, on the northeast coast of South America. This was the first use of the Ariane 64's 20-meter-long payload fairing, which allows it to carry heavier and larger satellite payloads compared to the standard Ariane 6 configuration. The 32 Amazon broadband satellites were deployed into a 465-kilometer low Earth orbit.
- The Ariane 64 rocket launched on February 12, 2026 from the Guiana Space Center.
The players
Arianespace
The commercial launch service provider that operates the Ariane family of rockets, including the new Ariane 6 and heavier Ariane 64 variants.
Amazon
The e-commerce giant that is building a broadband internet satellite constellation called Project Kuiper, with the 32 satellites launched on this Ariane 64 mission being part of that network.
What’s next
Arianespace has a busy 2026 launch manifest planned, with 7-8 Ariane 6 missions scheduled compared to just 4 in 2025. The next Ariane 6 launch is also expected to carry additional Amazon broadband satellites.
The takeaway
The successful debut of the heavier-lift Ariane 64 configuration is an important milestone for Arianespace as it competes for commercial launch contracts against SpaceX and other providers. The ability to launch larger payloads will be crucial for supporting the growth of satellite internet constellations like Amazon's Project Kuiper.
